UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Number 10 rejects claims that Beijing cash fears triggered the China spy case collapse, saying the CPS acted independently without government involvement.
As reported by The Independent, Downing Street denies the government played any role in the China spy case collapse, calling the reports “entirely false.”
Number 10’s views on claims of withholding evidence in the China spy case
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s official spokesman confirmed the government provided evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service to support the prosecution.
He stated,
“The government has provided the evidence that was drawn up under the previous government – evidence that was drawn up consistent with the previous government’s stance on China, and consistent with what the Official Secrets Act 1911 requires. The evidence was drawn up using the full range of evidence across government.”
The spokesperson said the government provided evidence only covering China’s threat assessment at the time of the alleged offences. He dismissed allegations that evidence was being withheld from the CPS.
He stated,
“The director of public prosecutions has given his assurance that the CPS were not influenced any external party. As we repeatedly said also in the course of the last week or so, the suggestions that the government concealed evidence, withdrew evidence, withdrew witnesses are all categorically untrue.”
Referring to a Sunday Times report, the Prime Minister’s spokesman rejected claims that National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell interfered with the prosecution.
He said,
“There have been various reports alleging that a meeting was held about the case in September where the national security adviser ruled that China could not be defined as a threat or took a decision to withdraw evidence or withdraw key witnesses. That is simply untrue.”
The spokesman stated,
“The national security adviser happening, nor any government minister, made no decisions on the content of any evidence relating to the case, nor has he or any government minister had any part in any decisions about the substance of the case itself.”
Mr Starmer’s spokesperson said the 1911 Official Secrets Act was outdated, and the new National Security Act makes prosecutions easier and state-neutral.
He accepted that China poses certain risks, but said the government has been cautious in labeling it a threat, noting the national security strategy highlights its impact on citizens.
Downing Street added,
“We detailed how instances of China’s espionage, interference in our democracy, undermining our economic security, have increased. In recent years, successive governments said that China can’t be reduced to a single word – either threat, challenge or opportunity – but in reality it presents all of these things, which is why we are taking a long-term, strategic approach.”
What did Hamish Falconer say about China’s threat to the UK?
Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer said the government considers China a threat in certain areas.
He said,
“They do pose national security threats to the UK, whether that’s in relation to cybersecurity, transnational repression, their relationship with Russia, in relation to the conflict in Ukraine; but there are also, of course, areas where we have to co-operate.”
Mr Falconer insisted the case failed last month due to the “ropey” and outdated Official Secrets Act.
He confirmed that ministers will follow the usual process on China’s proposed “super embassy” in London.
Kemi Badenoch’s view on unanswered questions in the China spy case
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch wrote to Sir Keir Starmer demanding clarity on unresolved questions in Parliament.
Conservative MPs pressed the Prime Minister on the case, while Sir Iain Duncan Smith reportedly called for an emergency parliamentary debate.
In the letter, Ms Badenoch wrote,
“Your Government’s account of what has happened has changed repeatedly. Instead of setting out the full facts before the House of Commons today, you are planning to travel to the Middle East.”
She added,
“If you will not make a statement yourself, will you instruct a senior minister to clear things up once and for all through a full parliamentary statement? The public and Parliament deserve answers and transparency.”
What did the Liberal Democrats say about the collapse of the China spying trial?
The Liberal Democrats are calling for an inquiry into the collapse of the China spying trial.
Calum Miller, Lib Dem foreign affairs spokesperson, stated,
“The seriousness of the threat Beijing poses to our national security cannot be overstated – and this case has exposed appalling gaps in our government’s ability and willingness to challenge China’s espionage efforts.”
He added,
“The government must today commit to holding a statutory, independent inquiry into the China spying case. While we need immediate answers on who in government is responsible for collapsing the case, we also need a full inquiry so that we can learn lessons vital for our national security.”
White House’s stance on the UK’s reliability after the China spy case collapse
US officials are reportedly concerned about the UK’s credibility after the China spy case collapse, while former civil servants Lords Sedwill and Case have questioned Sir Keir’s explanation.
The Prime Minister blamed the previous Tory government in office during the alleged offences from December 2021 to February 2023, saying only evidence from that period is relevant.
Key facts about the China spy case
Two British men, Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry, were charged under the Official Secrets Act for allegedly spying for China from late 2021 to early 2023. They both denied the allegations.
The case collapsed in September 2025 after the UK government did not classify China as an “enemy” or national security threat. Prosecutors lacked the required evidence, leading to the charges being dropped before trial.
